waiting for deliverance

Deliverance always comes to the faithful. Even if it is not on our time table.
Job is a great example of this principle. He endured trial after trial, tragedy after tragedy, but never doubted or denied the Lord and His goodness.
Let's review the story of Job....
:)

Hee hee hee.
Okay, that wasn't exactly how things went down, but you get the picture.
Despite all of the devastation in Job's life, he remained faithful to the Lord and deliverance did come. It will always come. So pray for patience. Pray for endurance to withstand tribulation until the Lord's sweet deliverance enfolds us.

Words of Mormon 1:8

Do you pray for the wicked?
Do you pray for your neighbors and friends and acquaintances?
Do you sincerely pray for deliverance to find them?
Mormon did.

8 And my prayer to God is concerning my brethren, that they may once again come to the knowledge of God, yea, the redemption of Christ; that they may once again be a delightsome people.

"To be Young, Hip, and Mormon"

Found this article in the New York Times.

Very interesting.

Check it out.

WITH his manly stubble, flannel shirt and skinny black jeans,Brandon Flowers looks every bit the hipster front man for his rock band, the Killers.

With songs about drowning one’s sorrows in bourbon or exploring the seedy underbelly of his hometown, Las Vegas, Mr. Flowers has sold more than 15 million records worldwide. In the past, he has been candid about his drinking, smoking and taste for blackjack.

But in a gauzy four-minute video, an advertisement for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints that was posted online earlier this month, the singer stares at the camera and says, “I’m a father, I’m a husband, and I’m a Mormon.”

For decades, the popular image of Mormon style has been shaped by clean-cut young missionaries on bicycles in dark suits, white shirts and skinny black ties — and more recently by the sculptured coif of the presidential candidate Mitt Romney or the sporty style of the motocross-bike-riding Jon Huntsman, another Republican presidential candidate.

But the boundaries of Mormon style are expanding. The highly visible “I’m a Mormon” ad campaign (the subject of a major push on television, billboards, the subway and the Internet) seeks to quash strait-laced stereotypes by showing off a cool, diverse set of Mormons, including, besides Mr. Flowers, a leather-clad Harley aficionado, knit-cap-wearing professional skateboarder and an R & B singer with a shaved head.

It’s not just in ads sponsored by the church. On college campuses, city streets and countless style blogs, a young generation of Mormons has adopted a fashion-forward urban aesthetic (geek-chic glasses, designer labels and plenty of vintage) that wouldn’t look out of place at a Bushwick party.

“There used to be a bias against being ‘cool’ in the Mormon world,” said Kendra Smoot, 31, a prop stylist who does work for Lucky and Martha Stewart, and who can be seen sporting Sartorialist-inflected ensembles on Smoot, a blog she runs with her husband, Seth Smoot, a photographer. Ten years ago, when she was a student at Brigham Young University, “there was absolutely zero fashion sense, myself included,” she said. “Now when I go back to visit, the kids there look really cool.

“I think there’s an acceptance now that you can look current and interesting but still uphold the values of the Mormon religion,” she added.

the word of God

I am currently writing a paper on Book of Mormon: the Musical in Writing 150. In my research I came across the official statement given by the 1st Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints concerning this obscene musical, and I just wanted to share it with you.

"The production may attempt to entertain audiences for an evening, but the Book of Mormon as a volume of scripture will change people's lives forever by bringing them closer to Christ."

Isn't that powerful? There is power in the Book of Mormon. Never forget what a treasure it is to have the scriptures. It is through this book that we will come to know Christ and change our lives for the better. I would urge us all to be better acquainted with the scriptures, and better equipped with the word of God - ready to defend our beliefs at any time.
I would also encourage those who know little about what "Mormons" stand for, to do some research. Read the Book of Mormon, it is a staple in our religion, the "keystone"even. And if you ever have a question, please feel free to ask! I will do my best to clarify or discuss any questions you might have.
I want you to know that I know this church is true.
I feel so fortunate to be a member of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. I love my Savior, and I am striving to be more and more like Him each day. I am grateful for the scriptures. I know that the Book of Mormon is a true book, translated by Joseph Smith, who was a Prophet of God. I am forever grateful for Joseph Smith and his willingness to be a vessel for the Spirit and an instrument in the hands of God. I pray that we will not take this knowledge for granted, but that we will share it with the world! "Be not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ." It is our responsibility as disciples of Christ to take this message of deliverance and love with us wherever we go.

Omni 1:26

I am crazy about this scripture. The language is so beautiful, and it really lays it out for us. Amaleki states things so plainly for us to see. He gives us the formula for salvation and deliverance.

 26 And now, my beloved brethren, I would that ye should come unto Christ, who is the Holy One of Israel, and partake of his salvation, and the power of his redemption. Yea, come unto him, and offer your whole souls as an offering unto him, and continue in fasting and praying, and endure to the end; and as the Lord liveth ye will be saved.

We are told to come unto Christ; to offer up our whole souls, fast, pray, and endure to the end.
Then, and only then can we be saved.
This verse gives me confidence. It's like a little reminder that Christ's promise of salvation and deliverance is very much a real and accessible thing. He asks so little of us, and promises so much. We are so blessed.  

no fear

My lovely visiting teacher stopped by last night to share a message from Sister Julie Beck's talk entitled "If We do Not Doubt." It was such a sweet and powerful talk addressed specifically to the Sisters of the church, but applicable to all. You can find it on lds.org if you have a spare moment this week and need a little light, enriching reading.
I just wanted to share one particularly poignant section with you all. Something that really touched me. She said, 

"The mothers of Helaman’s warriors lived in times not unlike our own. Their circumstances were difficult and dangerous, and youth were being called upon to defend physical and spiritual liberty. Today we live in a world where we “wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

Challenging times cry out for strong parents and examples who teach the truth that Helaman’s warriors knew: “If they did not doubt, God would deliver them” (Alma 56:47). Teaching and exemplifying this truth today requires vigilance. However, we need not fear. When we know who we are and who God is and we have made covenants with Him, we—like these mothers of warriors—will have great influence for good."

Isn't that beautiful? We know who we are and we know who God is...We have no need to fear. We an be confident in our divinity and content knowing we have a place in God's Kingdom. If we do not doubt, God will deliver us.

Deliverer

DELIVERER

Jesus Christ is the Deliverer of mankind because he rescues all from the bondage of death and the repentant from the penalties of sin.

• The Lord is my rock and my deliverer, 2 Sam. 22:2 (Ps. 18:2; Ps. 144:2).
• Thou art my help and my deliverer, Ps. 40:17 (Ps. 70:5).
• The Deliverer shall come out of Zion, Rom. 11:26
• The Saints acknowledged the Son of God as their Redeemer and Deliverer, D&C 138:23

Enos

Today, I find myself in Enos, and I am so thrilled to be here! Enos is not only short and sweet, but extremely powerful. He is one of my all time favorite scripture heroes. He demonstrates flawlessly the manner of faithful, sincere, and fervent prayer. The chapter heading states that he "prays mightily" and "rejoices in His redeemer." What a stellar example for our generation, today. 

In Enos chapter only verse nine, we read that Enos did "begin to feel a desire for the welfare of [his] brethren." Not only does he pray for forgiveness of his sins, but he prays for the welfare of his brethren. He has a sincere concern for their well being and he takes it to the Lord in mighty prayer. 

I too feel a desire for your welfare. I am currently serving as the compassionate service leader in my ward, and I have to say my prayers have been filled with pleas similar to this. I pray every night for each of you; for my friends, my family, for the beautiful sisters in my ward; for your happiness. 

So next time you are having a down day, remember, you are loved. Our Savior died for you and me because He loves us. He feels a desire for our welfare, for our happiness - a stronger desire than any of us can fathom. 

Jacob 6:8-10, 12

I read some powerful verses in Jacob today that were incredibly humbling and brought about some deep self-reflection. How often do we read the scriptures and get nothing out of it? How often do we go through the motions without desire or zeal? How often do we listen to our leaders, whether it be the Prophet or our Bishop, and not heed their counsel? If you are human, it is very likely that you have encountered this pattern before. It is so easy to fall into this trap of loose faith or partial commitment, and not truly accept the words of God. However Jacob tells his people that rejecting the word of God, is not acceptable - it only brings about endless torment in a lake of fire and brimstone. I don't know about you, but that doesn't sound like a great destination to aim for.

8 Behold, will ye reject these words? Will ye reject the words of the prophets; and will ye reject all the words which have been spoken concerning Christ, after so many have spoken concerning him; and deny the good word of Christ, and the power of God, and the gift of the Holy Ghost, and quench the Holy Spirit, and make a mock of the great plan of redemption, which hath been laid for you? 9 Know ye not that if ye will do these things, that the power of the redemption and the resurrection, which is in Christ, will bring you to stand with shame and awful guilt before the bar of God? 10 And according to the power of justice, for justice cannot be denied, ye must go away into that lake of fire and brimstone, whose flames are unquenchable, and whose smoke ascendeth up forever and ever, which lake of fire and brimstone is endless torment.

Don't let this be you. Heed the words of the Prophets, both ancient and modern. Read the scriptures, and your life will be blessed with the Spirit of God.
Jacob then counsels us in verse 12:

12 O be wise; what can I say more?

And to that I say: "'Nuff said."

just ask

He will give you help.

Deliverance is not some abstract, unattainable concept, but rather a real, accessible gift available to each one of us through our Savior, Jesus Christ.
It is nearer than you think.
He will always give you help.
All you have to do is ask.

healing

What if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

We pray for wisdom
Your voice to hear
And we cry in anger when we cannot feel You near
We doubt Your goodness, we doubt Your love
As if every promise from Your Word is not enough
All the while, You hear each desperate plea
And long that we'd have faith to believe

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
What if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
And what if trials of this life are Your mercies in disguise

When friends betray us
When darkness seems to win
We know that pain reminds this heart
That this is not, this is not our home
It's not our home

'Cause what if Your blessings come through raindrops
What if Your healing comes through tears
And what if a thousand sleepless nights
Are what it takes to know You’re near
What if my greatest disappointments
Or the aching of this life
Is the revealing of a greater thirst this world can’t satisfy
And what if trials of this life
The rain, the storms, the hardest nights
Are Your mercies in disguise.

-Blessings, Laura Story  

Jacob 4:12

It is not sufficient to be merely "not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ," but we must love it and share it and speak of it often.

Jacob 4 is filled with epic power phrases ["power phrase" in this context referring to the beautiful, powerful, concise lines that you read and think "I wanna stitch that on a pillow!" That is a power phrase]

So today's power phrase comes from Jacob 4:

"Why not speak of the atonement of Christ?"

To that I say, "why not?" If we believe it, if we love it, if we are forever grateful for it, then why not speak of it? In our homes, at school, at work, with our friends, and with those we meet throughout the day. 

Speak of Christ.

Share the hope and saving power of His atonement with the world.  

Jacob 3:2

2 O all ye that are pure in heart, lift up your heads and receive the pleasing word of God, and feast upon his love; for ye may, if your minds are firm, forever.

Have you ever heard that? We often hear the expression, "to feast upon the words of Christ" and to delight in the scriptures. Yet we are told in this instance not to feast only on the scriptures but also to "feast upon His love."
I love that.
We should hunger for the love of God. And as it states in the verse, when we are "pure in heart" then shall we be blessed with "the pleasing word of God" and be presented with an infinite abundance of God's love for us to draw upon - to feast on.

I love my Heavenly Father. I am so grateful for His gracious plan, for His unfailing love for us. When things are looking down, remember that it is "better to look up." Keep doing your best and never forget that the Lord has provided a deluxe buffet of perfect love for you to feast upon always, and especially when you need a reminder of your divine nature and individual worth.

Jacob 2:18-19

In a world filled with and centered around "things," I have always been taught that "the most important things in life, aren't things."In fact in my house, that saying is displayed boldly in our kitchen. It is complicated to balance the information the media is screaming at you with the subtle reminders and promptings from the still small voice, yet we are asked to do it. To be in the world but not of the world. "How," you say, "can this possibly be achieved?" In my study today in Jacob I think I found the answer as I learned a bit about this concept. This concept of the chasm that exists between our lifestyle and the norms of the world. President Monson describes it best:

"Where once the standards of the Church and the standards of society were mostly compatible, now there is a wide chasm between us, and it’s growing ever wider."

We are members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. We are disciples of Christ - representatives of Him and His church. We must do as Jacob says and seek first for the Kingdom of God.

18 But ^abefore ye seek for ^briches, seek ye for the ^ckingdom of God.

 19 And after ye have obtained a hope in Christ ye shall obtain riches, if ye seek them; and ye will seek them for the intent to ^ado good—to clothe the naked, and to feed the hungry, and to liberate the captive, and administer relief to the sick and the afflicted.

In verse 19, we see a powerful promise of deliverance and blessings. After we obtain a hope in Christ, we shall obtain whatever else we seek. We will obtain riches and resources, with which we can serve and make a difference. When we put the Savior first, everything else will fall into place. I have witnessed this in my life time and time again, and am currently enjoying the blessings that come from putting the Lord at the center of my life. In an unstable and ever changing world, let the Lord be your anchor, your constant. He wants nothing more than your happiness and success. Trust in His goodness. He will never fail you.

Romans 1:16

check this out:

http://mormon.org/brandon

so cool.

"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ."

-Romans 1:16

We have the truth. So...

 Live it.

Share it.

Be proud of it. 

blessed.

I am so blessed.
I am amazed by the goodness of my Savior and my Heavenly Father.
They are so aware of each of us and our personal needs.
Tonight I received a dose of deliverance through some dear friends.
I realized that we were placed in each other's paths for reasons.
The Lord places us by hand for specific purposes at specific times.
You never know who you are going to touch, help, or influence.
You never know who is seeking deliverance : Deliverance only you can provide.
My roommates and I have been prepared for moments like this, nights like these when we could all use a little divine deliverance.
I am so grateful for the girls they are -for all of the incredible people I am surrounded by.

I am grateful for you.
You are vessels for the Spirit.
You have a purpose.
So, find it.
Live it.

2 Nephi 32:1-3

This week I shared a passage of scripture with my lovely sister Jenessa, (via email) who is currently serving a mission in Romania. It was something I encountered in my daily study that I thought might offer some aid to her in a particularly hard situation she is dealing with. Many of you probably know this [because I constantly talk about my amazing sister and the latest news from her letters] but Jenessa is currently learning Russian, after studying Romanian in the MTC. With a completely different alphabet, you can only imagine how difficult this would be. When I was reading in chapter 32, I couldn't help but think of my dearest sister, who is serving the Lord, far from home, battling feelings of inadequacy and frustration.

 1 And now, behold, my beloved brethren, I suppose that ye ponder somewhat in your hearts concerning that which ye should do after ye have entered in by the way. But, behold, why do ye ponder these things in your hearts? 2 Do ye not remember that I said unto you that after ye had^areceived the Holy Ghost ye could speak with the ^btongue of angels? And now, how could ye speak with the tongue of angels save it were by the Holy Ghost? 3 ^aAngels speak by the power of the Holy Ghost; wherefore, they speak the words of Christ. Wherefore, I said unto you, ^bfeast upon the ^cwords of Christ; for behold, the words of Christ will ^dtell you all things what ye should do.

There is no need to feel inadequate. Yes, we all are burdened by inadequacy at times, it is one of Satan's strongest tools. Yet in these verses, I am reassured that we have no reason to feel that way. We are capable. With the Lord's help and His Spirit, we will be blessed with the gift of tongues, even with a tongue of Angels to do His will, and be successful in our righteous pursuits. He will qualify us as we do our part and assert ourselves. He doesn't ask for perfection - just practice. He doesn't ask for exactness - just effort. We must do our part, the best that we can, and He will do the rest. 
I wish I could fly to Romania and give my sister a big hug right now. Tell her that it's going to be okay, that I am so proud of her. But, then I remember, my Savior is there with her, arms extended, waiting to comfort her when things get rough. And that image, in turn, comforts me. 
Our Savior is with us at all times. His deliverance is just an arm-length away. He is there for you always, and especially when you need Him most. 

"Because Jesus walked such a long, lonely path utterly alone, we do not have to do so."

-Elder Holland

Scripture Power!

Richard G. Scott gave the most remarkable talk in General Conference. Entitled "The Power of Scripture," he speaks to the members of the church on the guidance and direction that can be found only in the scriptures. If you get a chance, go read his address, or better yet, watch it on lds.org! [That website is an incredible resource for Latter-Day-Saints...check it out!] It was a beautiful talk jam-packed with power phrases and principles that should be applied to our lives, I think you just might love it as much as I did.

Here are some highlights:

"Great power can come from memorizing scriptures. To memorize a scripture is to forge a new friendship. It is like discovering a new individual who can help in time of need, give inspiration and comfort, and be a source of motivation for needed change."

"Scriptures are like packets of light that illuminate our minds and give place to guidance and inspiration from on high."

"Scriptures can calm an agitated soul, giving peace, hope, and a restoration of confidence in one’s ability to overcome the challenges of life."

We are promised guidance and deliverance through the scriptures. All we need to do, is open them. 

2 Nephi 25:4

Okay, break's over. Now back to Nephi. Today I stumbled through the remaining Isaiah sections in 2 Nephi and ended up in chapter 25, where I found the key to unlocking Isaiah! Nephi explains that the words of Isaiah are easily understood to those who are filled with the Spirit. Verse 4 reads:

4 Wherefore, hearken, O my people, which are of the house of Israel, and give ear unto my words; for because the words of Isaiah are not plain unto you, nevertheless they are plain unto all those that are filled with the ^aspirit of ^bprophecy. But I give unto you a ^cprophecy, according to the spirit which is in me; wherefore I shall prophesy according to the ^dplainness which hath been with me from the time that I came out from Jerusalem with my father; for behold, my soul delighteth in ^eplainness unto my people, that they may learn.

Isaiah is accessible to everyone; everyone who is filled with the Spirit of Prophecy. So, how, you may ask, can you be filled with the Spirit of Prophecy? To that I say, I am not entirely sure. I personally believe that if we ask, we will receive. If you pray fervently for the Spirit before you dive into Isaiah, you will be blessed with a spirit of understanding as you read his words. It has worked in my life. Honestly, keeping up with this blog has been especially difficult during my Isaiah readings. Yet as I have prayed daily, I have been blessed with a little token of understanding every time, even if that means only a verse or two that I can fully analyze. I am so grateful for the Spirit of Prophecy and our opportunity to access it.
What do you think? How have you accessed the Spirit of Prophecy that Nephi refers to in verse 4? Share your thoughts! When we share our feelings and thoughts, we strengthen ourselves and each other immensely...so don't be shy! Pay the conveniently placed thought box a visit!